Rise in apprenticeship start-ups in Suffolk and Essex

New statistics from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills have shown a yearly rise in apprentice starts in Suffolk and Essex. The figures show that in 2011/12, Suffolk saw a total of 6,270 apprenticeship starts, compared to 5,360 in 2010/11 and 3,710 in 2009/10. Essex’s apprenticeship figures stood at 6,410 in 2009/10, 10, 930 in 2010/11 and 11,590 in 2011/12.

The report also put the three top apprenticeship sectors as: business, administration and law; engineering and manufacturing technologies; and health, public services and care. The highest area for apprenticeship sign-up was the Bury St Edmunds constituency in Suffolk, with a figure of 1,100. Colchester in Essex had 1,100 apprenticeships running; the most in the county.

Skills Minister and West Suffolk MP, Matthew Hancock, said: “Apprenticeship starts in Suffolk have shown consistently strong growth over the last few years. This increase pays testament to both the improvements we have made to ensure the quality of these schemes, and growing support and buy-in from employers. But we know that in order to make apprenticeships a true alternative to higher education, they must be an option for learners at all levels.

He added: “I recently announced that apprenticeships will soon be available at graduate and post-graduate levels too, in sectors including law, accountancy and insurance. This new route to the professions raises the profile of apprenticeships and gives many more people the opportunity to reach their potential.”